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Cardinals praised for approach with rookie LB Isaiah Simmons

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The Arizona Cardinals have a plan for their first-round draft pick, linebacker Isaiah Simmons. Chosen eighth overall by the team in part because of his ability to play multiple positions, the Cardinals will have him focus on learning one position. He will, though, play in a variety of roles from the context of being an inside linebacker.

I love this approach with young players. The transition from college to the NFL is tough, and freeing blue-chip players from mental clutter is the best way to help them play fast early in their careers. . .

Simmons should have his work cut out for him in Year 1 in an absolutely loaded NFC West. Encouraging him to get acclimated and comfortable at one position before adding more on his shoulders should not only help in his long-term development, but enable him to contribute immediately.

Simmons will also have to play himself into the rotation, as the Cardinals already have Jordan Hicks and De’Vondre Campbell in the starting lineup. It means Simmons will have to excel in certain roles to get expanded playing time.

If Simmons is what everyone believes he is, then the Cardinals will find ways to get him on the field and he will be an impactful player on defense.

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The Arizona Cardinals re-signed running back Kenyan Drake this offseason on a one-year transition tag deal, which will pay him almost $8.5 million in 2020. He rushed for 643 yards and eight touchdowns in eight games after being acquired via trade.

Over a 16-game season, that projects to 16 rushing touchdowns, which is the franchise record in a season.

Can he set a franchise record in 2020? Where can he finish season?

Seven players have finished with at least 10 rushing touchdowns. Check them out below.

Listen to the latest from Cards Wire's Jess Root on his podcast, Rise Up, See Red.

The 2020 NFL season could be impacted significantly financially with the possibility of less or no fans in stadiums for at least part of the season, due to the COVID-19 pandemic. That could significantly impact the salary cap in 2021, according to NFL.com's Ian Rapoport.

Rapoport reports the league is potentially looking at a drop of at least $40 million in the salary cap in 2021, depending on the revenue that comes in this season.

According to Rapoport, the league wants to avoid this and keep the salary cap flat, at worst. He suggests the league is thinking of potentially...